Install a new kitchen sink

While some plumbing knowledge would be helpful for this project, you can easily replace your sink and taps in less than a day using a few basic tools that you probably already own.

 

You’ll need a large slip-joint pliers for the drain fittings, a fine-tooth saw to cut the plastic pipe, a set of open-end wrenches or two adjustable wrenches to loosen and tighten the supply tubes, and hex head nut drivers for the sink clips and the clamp on the dishwasher drain. If you have a plastic laminate countertop and need to enlarge the hole for the new sink, you’ll also need a jigsaw.

The Key to Simplicity: Buy a New Sink the Same Size as the Old

 

GOOD TO KNOW
If you want to install a sink that’s larger or deeper than your current one, first check the cabinet width below to make sure it’ll fit. Then decide how to enlarge the hole. If your countertop is stone, tile, solid surface (Corian, for example) or metal, you may have to hire a professional or handyman to enlarge the hole. If it’s wood or plastic laminate, enlarge the hole yourself with a jigsaw.

 

Removing the existing sink

Getting the old sink out is usually harder than putting the new one in. Old plumbing parts are likely to be corroded, and the sink may be glued to the counter with silicone or accumulated gunk. Before removing the old sink, place a bucket under the trap to catch waste water.

Sinks are mounted in several ways, but here are a few general tips for removing yours:

 

1. Working carefully, slice the silicone sealing around the sink with a utility knife, then slip a stiff putty knife under the lip of the sink and gently pry up to loosen it. On some old sinks, you must remove the mounting clips from under the sink before you lift it out.

GOOD TO KNOW
Turn off the water supply at the main stopcock before undoing any fittings, or you'll end up with a flooded kitchen.

 

 

2. Remove the trap and other drain parts by loosening the slip-joint nuts with a large slip-joint pliers or pipe wrench. Close the water valves and disconnect the tubes leading to the tap. Hold the shutoff valve steady with one wrench while you loosen the supply tube nut with a second wrench. Remove any clips holding the sink in and lift it out.

 

 

3. To mount the new tap to the new sink, be sure to follow the instructions provided with your tap.

GOOD TO KNOW
Protect your countertop with cardboard to prevent any scratches.

 

 

4. Set the sink in the countertop to check the fit, then trace around it with a pencil. Enlarge the hole if necessary with a jigsaw. Remove the sink and apply a bead of silicone sealer just to the inside of the pencil line. Set the sink back in the hole and use a wrench to tighten the clips that hold the sink down. Tighten the clips just enough to close the gap between the sink and countertop. Don’t over tighten. Clean up the excess silicone with a damp cloth.

 

 

A lesson learned!

I have learnt by experience that most instructions for mounting a sink are written in Chinese or some strange language that the average person finds difficult to understand. Additionally, sink clips comes in all shapes and styles.

The trick is to install the sink so that it is fitted snug and flat on top of the counter and have someone hold this down while you install the sink mounting clips from underneath.

 

 

5. Roll plumber’s putty into a thin rope and form it around each drain opening. Press the top half of the basket strainer assembly down into the plumber’s putty on one side.

Note: Most sinks are supplied with the drain assembly already complete.

 

 

6. Assemble the under kitchen sink half of the basket strainer assembly and tighten the large nut with the slip-joint pliers. Hold the basket with your hand to keep it from spinning. Clean the excess plumber’s putty from around the drain openings and polish the sink with a dry cloth.

Note: Not all sinks are supplied with basket strainers.

 

7. Connect the water supply valves to the new tap with flexible braided stainless steel sink connectors. Hand-tighten the connections and then turn them an additional quarter turn with a wrench.

8. Loosely assemble the new PVC drain fittings. Hold up and mark parts needing to be cut and then saw them with a fine-tooth wood saw or hacksaw. Slope the horizontal pipes down slightly toward the drain in the wall. Hand-tighten all the fittings and turn the nuts an additional quarter turn with the large slip-joint pliers.

Turn on the main water supply at the stopcock. Check for any leaks and tighten any loose assembly where necessary.

It's essential to seal around the sink if you have Formica countertops. Use a silicone sealer and caulking gun to seal around the entire sink.